My first concert that I attended was in 2001. I was 10 years old, in fifth grade, and was freaking out that I got to see my favorite band at the time, the Backstreet Boys. My family and I woke up early to go stand in line at Albertson’s to try to score some tickets. Once we had tickets, there were a couple of months of anxious anticipation, and once the show came, I never wanted it to end. It was an entire experience, and I still remember every second of it. I have been hooked on live music ever since.
Over the years, I went to so many more shows: George Strait, Garth Brooks, Merle Haggard, One Direction, and a lot more Backstreet Boys, just to name a few. I have small children, so I have slowed down over the years, but the excitement and anticipation have never changed.
In all of my concert-going, I still have never been to a Christmas show.
It’s on my list, and I unfortunately forget because of the hustle and bustle of the season. I am officially setting this as my reminder to slow down and take my family to a Christmas concert, and I encourage you to do the same.
There are some musicians whose names have become synonymous with Christmas music. My family’s personal favorite? Lindsey Stirling.
What makes Lindsey Stirling so special?
Well, she’s an incredibly talented violinist, which alone is impressive. On top of that, she’s a dancer. In her shows, she combines the two. The first time I watched her perform, I was speechless. Playing violin seems impossible to me, as does dancing in any way that doesn’t make me look like a complete fool. Lindsey, though, makes it look seamless.
Lindsey also does not play violin in the way you are thinking. She has a rock album. Yes, you did read that correctly. A violinist has a rock album, and it’s INCREDIBLE. While she was on tour for said rock album, she was also planning a Christmas tour.
The Snow Waltz album includes some Christmas classics like “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” but also a flamenco-infused rendition of “Feliz Navidad,” featuring Mark Ballas (yes, THAT Mark Ballas from DWTS) on guitar. It also features a completely reimagined “Deck the Halls,” along with some deeply personal songs that are meant to evoke strong emotions. The album itself is incredible, to say the least.
When Lindsey is planning a tour, she is hands-on.
She designs her own costumes, taking an avant-garde approach in everything she does. For her upcoming tour, she is even incorporating trapeze work. She plays violin, does vocals, dances, and swings on a trapeze. Meanwhile, I am happy if I can wash my hair and cook dinner in one night.
If you are like me, want a night off from cooking, and also want to go see an incredible show, grab some tickets to Lindsey Stirling’s upcoming Snow Waltz show on December 7! I am giving you permission to not cook for the evening.
